I'm probably over thinking the matter. Nonetheless can anyone recommend a write-up or YouTube vid on the "natural gait?"

Best-Bump

Also, try looking at the BF running forums over at RW - lots of form/gait talk there. Also, look at any of Barefoot Ted's running videos on youtube, and goto pwnyoutube.com to download the movies and examine them frame by frame in Quicktime - eg:

HawkeyeThe best method of establishing correct form is to just get out there and run. There are as many running styles, gaits and forms as there are people running. Your body will sort it all out for you. Trust me now believe me later if you are running incorrectly in vffs you will soon know. Do not copy the form of others go with YOUR own flow.

HawkeyeThe best method of establishing correct form is to just get out there and run. There are as many running styles, gaits and forms as there are people running. Your body will sort it all out for you. Trust me now believe me later if you are running incorrectly in vffs you will soon know. Do not copy the form of others go with YOUR own flow.

Jason

I guess...although there is one guy over at the RW forums who did that and ended up running too far forefoot (this is barefoot) and he ended up with heel spurs something like 8 years later. So I suppose you can do that but I think many people are not in touch enough with their bodies in order to do that off the bat.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I definately run on my toes more than I should. I am more of a sprinter than a distance runner and am trying to change that. I'm sure I'll gifure it out or go lame trying ;-)

I've seen the little signature graphic you use before -- I like it b/c it helps visualize the springy/shock absorption you get when you land in-line as opposed to overstretched. Sorta like running so that your feet are beneath your center of gravity.

I had really bad calf pain after my first Vibes run. I realized that I was so self-conscious about it that I was pushing off from my forefoot way too much. So on my next run I decided not to think it about it so much and just let my legs & feet do their thing -- no more calf pain and a much easier run. What I learned is that the natural mechanisms will take over your form and self correct if you just let them.

I can say that the way it feels when I run is similar to how it is described by more experienced barefoot runners. So I guess I must be doing something right. Not to mention that it just *feels* right and my pace is improved.

That's cool Marnee. I find that the calf pain reoccurs if I push to fast or too far....or experiment with stride. Letting your body takes care of the stride unless you get too tired....then things start to fall apart and you really must concentrate on form.